MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection (DATCP) has recently received reports of what appears to be a new
trend in identity theft: consumers are receiving notices from tax agencies in
other states about filed tax returns.

The consumers didn’t earn income or file tax returns in those states, but
the state tax agency letters say their return is under review.

“Don’t assume the letter is just a clerical error. If a tax return was filed
using your personal information, you may be the victim of identity theft,” said
Sandy Chalmers, Division Administrator for Trade and Consumer Protection. “Take
immediate steps to protect your identity.”

Identity thieves use personal information to file fraudulent tax returns in
hopes of getting a refund. If you believe you may be the victim of identity
theft, DATCP recommends these immediate first steps:

Contact one of the three major credit reporting bureaus
to place a fraud alert

DATCP is working with the Internal Revenue Service, the Wisconsin Department
of Revenue and the states that sent the notifications. If you receive a similar
letter in the mail, please file a complaint on the DATCP website (http://datcp.wi.gov) or contact the Bureau of
Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128 or by email at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.